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REDDIES

Marcus Rashford has said he has learnt a lot from Zlatan Ibrahimovic - he must now replicate the Swede's goals

UNITED IMPROVING OUT WIDE

Recently, especially in the goals United conceded against Anderlecht and Middlesbrough, the danger began out wide.

Whoever plays at full-back, be it Antonio Valencia, Luke Shaw, Ashley Young or Matteo Darmian, they are going to face a huge test on Thursday.

Man City’s threat comes from the pace out wide the speed they have in behind. Leroy Sané on the left, Kevin De Bruyne through the middle, Raheem Sterling on the right and the deadly movement of Sergio Aguero up top.

Fail to deal with City’s attacking threat and it will give United’s centre-backs far too much to cope with in the middle.

Despite being a winger, Valencia has won plenty of plaudits for his performances at right-back. However, 21 per cent of shots Manchester United face come from their opponents’ left side.

The Ecuadorian’s eagerness to get forward leaves space behind and Sane will be ready to try to exploit that.

Leroy Sane will prove a huge threat to Manchester United's defenders on derby day

UP TO CITY TO PUSH THE TEMPO

It worked against Chelsea, so there’s no reason to think that Mourinho is going to change the way he takes on United’s city rivals for this crucial midweek fixture.

When the Portuguese named his team to face former club Chelsea many thought it was extremely defensive. But the plan became clear after seven minutes when Ander Herrera slipped the perfect ball to Rashford to open the scoring.

Defensively United were superb. Playing with bodies behind the ball, they frustrated and restricted Chelsea’s space. The same game-plan is ideal for stopping City. Although the level of performance from the away side needs to reach the same intensity, it will be up to Pep’s team to take the initiative.

When the home side win the ball their transitions will need to be sharp and slick. There will be no space for errors or delaying the attack. One of the best ways to punish a team playing deep is to attack with pace before they can re-organise.

City, on form, are one of best at playing on the counter. With master tactician Jose ready for them, they will need to raise their game.

Sergio Aguero will provide a potent danger, and could well be the difference between the two sides

THE THREAT OF MARTIAL

Anthony Martial had one of his best games in a red shirt for a very long time against Burnley. With two shots on target, two key passes and four successful dribbles, he was rewarded with a goal and an assist.

When Mourinho took on Chelsea, he relied on the friendship and understanding between Rashford and Jesse Lingard. After his display at Turf Moor, there will be a temptation to use the French forward to threaten City with his pace on the break.

Guardiola’s defence can be a little cumbersome at times so the pace of Martial is perfect at exposing that weakness.

“There was a stat that came up that he had done the most sprints (71) in the game, which is the most he has done this season," Gary Neville told Sky Sports after the Burnley game. “It was the most he has done in his Manchester United career.”

"That tells you the reaction is there. The capability to show the work-ethic is there.”